Congenital Chondrodysplasia in a Punganur Dwarf Cow: A case report

Congenital anomalies are not uncommon in domestic animals, and they can have various causes, including genetic and environmental factors. This case study reports the occurrence of a rare congenital anomaly in a Punganur breed calf, which was born lifeless with a bull-dog like face and unnaturally rotated limbs. The breeding records and pedigree of the cow were not available, and nutritional deficiencies and ingestion of teratogenic plants were ruled out as potential causes. The chondrodysplasia syndrome, caused by a homozygous type of Dexter breed, is known to be inherited and lethal. However, the exact cause of the anomaly in this Punganur calf remains uncertain. This case report highlights the importance of careful observation and examination of new-born animals, particularly in breeds with a known genetic predisposition to certain congenital conditions.

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Morphological Features of Bulldog-Type ChondrodysplasiaClose ×

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Introduction

Punganur dwarf cattle is a small humped cattle breed with exceptional disease resistance and climatic adaptation [1,2] , originating from the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh in southern India. This breed is known to have a low incidence of inherited congenital anomalies worldwide. However, some cases of congenital malformations have been reported in Punganur cattle, including chondrodysplasia. Congenital malformations are caused by chromosomal or gene abnormalities that result in disproportionate dwarfism present at birth. Chondrodysplasia is a complex vertebral malfunction that leads to irregular skeletal development [3] , including osteopetrosis and osteogenesis imperfecta [4] . Bull dog type chondrodysplasia is a specific type of chondrodysplasia that results in a compressed cranium with a short upper jaw, nose ridges, and short legs, consistent with brachycephalic dwarfism. This type is diagnosed when the cranial bones have a larger size than the rest of the body due to ineffective endochondral ossification, while intramembranous ossification augments beneath the periosteum, leading to abnormal bone growth. Although cows have a lower incidence of congenital malformations compared to buffaloes [5] , this paper details the clinico-morphological features of the first instance of bulldog-type chondrodysplasia male, purebred foetus produced by artificial insemination of a Punganur cattle.

Case Report

A four-year old Punganur cow was impregnated with semen straw of Punganur cattle using artificial insemination technique prior to transport and had an established pregnancy of seven months. After two months, the cow showed signs of labour about ten days premature to the estimated date of parturition. The straining continued for about 10 hours, but the cow was unable to deliver the foetus. The foetus did not show any body movements, and the head was deformed on per rectal examination. Dystocia due to cranial malformation consistent with bull dog type foetus has been reported in cows [6] . Due to the inconsistency in shape and size of the foetus's head and a relatively small birth canal, dystocia was inexorable. Obstetric manoeuvres were engaged after confirmation of foetal death for the expulsion of the foetus through the birth canal without success. Thereby, Caesarean section was performed to remove the dead foetus from the uterus as per the routine procedure. The height of the foetus from head to foreleg toe was 9 inches (Fig. 1), and the length from the tip of the nose to tuber coxae was 17.5 inches (Fig. 2). The hind legs had marked outward convexity, and the hooves were rotated and directed inwards (Fig. 2). The angle of the 3rd phalanx of each hind leg was positioned in a fashion that they overlapped each other towards their distal end. The dead foetus was determined to carry polymonstrosities. The monster appearance can be attributed to micromyelia and a stout body (Fig. 3). The skin was leathery, thick, and covered with hair. The face was dark brown with slightly faded brown on the body, white on the underbelly, and black on the tail tassel. A craniofacial disproportion included bulging cranium, depressed nose, protruding tongue, brachygnathia inferior described as the upper jaw longer than the lower jaw resulting in malocclusion of lower incisors with the dental pad [7] (Fig. 1). The foetus had a posteriorly pushed-out appearance of the buttocks, the tail-head originated far up and forward along the calf's back, and at the same time, it arched upwards (Fig. 3). It presented a straight spine and a flattened back devoid of usual curvatures.

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Figure 1Close ×

Head to foreleg toe was 9”; bulging cranium, protruding

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Figure 2Close ×

Length from tip of nose to tuber coxae was 17.5”; hind legs

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Figure 3Close ×

Micromelia; tail-head originating forward along the back, and

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The thoracic part looked shrunken, and the major portion of the body was occupied by the abdominal region. The foetus had a pot-belly appearance due to excessive accumulation of subcutaneous fat (Fig. 3). It was diagnosed to be a case of chondrodysplasia fetalis or bull dog type chondrodysplasia calf based on phenotypic characteristics and its variations from normal appearance [8,9,10] . The calf born was male, but earlier studies determined after much deliberation that there was an absence of sex-linkage to chondrodysplasia [8] . The absence of cleft palate and superior brachygnathism could be attributed to specific breed predisposition as both have not been reported in Punganur cattle earlier, and the findings of this paper supplement the said hypothesis [3,11] .

Based on the available information, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the congenital anomaly in the Punganur cow. While genetic factors cannot be ruled out, the lack of breeding records and pedigree information makes it difficult to determine if this is the case. Nutritional deficiencies and intoxication due to ingestion of teratogenic plants were also ruled out as possible causes. However, it is worth noting that the homozygous type of Dexter breed chondrodysplasia causes a congenitally fatal syndrome that is thought to be inherited. Punganur cattle are also considered to be pure homozygous bantam cattle from a genetic perspective [12] . Previous studies in Dexter breed cattle have shown that the chondrodysplasia or bull dog type monstrosity could have been caused by recessive genes. Additionally, it is important to note that this is the solitary chondrodysplastic condition that is lethal. Overall, while the exact cause of the congenital anomaly in the Punganur cow cannot be determined with certainty, the available information suggests that genetic factors may have played a role. Further studies and breeding records may be necessary to gain a better understanding of the underlying cause of this condition

Discussion

Congenital anomalies in cattle are a rare but serious issue that can lead to significant losses for cattle breeders. Numerous studies have explored the causes and effects of these anomalies, shedding light on the genetics, environmental factors, and other potential causes of such conditions. For instance, studies have indicated that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of chondrodysplasia in Dexter breed cattle, a condition which can be fatal for affected animals [13] . Similarly, nutritional deficiencies have also been linked to the development of congenital anomalies in cattle, in a study by Lorenz et al. (2011) suggesting that micronutrient deficiencies can lead to limb malformations in developing foetuses [14] .

Other studies have focused on the classification of congenital anomalies and their associated morbidity and mortality rates.

A study by Purohit et al. (2015) explored various types of congenital anomalies, including monstrosities, and found that the morbidity and mortality rates associated with such conditions were significantly higher compared to other anomalies [15] . The study also highlighted the importance of early detection and intervention in minimizing losses due to congenital anomalies. Additionally, studies have explored the potential for genetic testing and selective breeding as tools for preventing congenital anomalies in cattle. For example, a study by Weikard et al. (2015) investigated the genetic basis of chondrodysplasia in Dexter cattle and suggested that genetic testing and selective breeding could be used to prevent the condition from being passed on to future generations [16] .

Overall, these studies demonstrate the complex and multifactorial nature of congenital anomalies in cattle and highlight the need for further research into the underlying causes and potential prevention strategies.

Conclusion

The case study of the congenital anomaly in a Punganur cow highlights the importance of proper breeding practices and genetic screening in livestock management. While the exact cause of the chondrodysplasia in this particular case remains unknown, the presentation of morphological characteristics and lethal outcomes suggest a possible association with recessive genes. The exclusion of other potential causes such as nutritional deficiencies and intoxication due to teratogenic plants emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation and diagnosis of congenital anomalies in livestock. By understanding and addressing the underlying factors contributing to such conditions, it is possible to improve the health and welfare of animals and enhance the productivity and sustainability of the livestock industry.

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